Recommendation 13

We recommend the Government examine the experience in Wales, with a view to replicating a similar framework across England. It should conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Commissioner for Older People 50 role in Wales and its comprehensive network of Older People’s Champions delivering a national strategy across local authorities. The evaluation should consider the duties, powers, and resources a Commissioner for Older People in England would need. It should consider whether a single Commissioner for England or a network of regional Commissioners would be more effective in a nation of England’s size. Likewise, the tier of local government at which Older People’s Champions are most likely to be effective should be considered in the context of the Government’s plans for devolution and local authority reform in England. The Government should consider the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission within a new framework for older people’s rights, including the case for formal memoranda of understanding between the Commission and any new Commissioner/s to ensure the division of duties and responsibilities is clear. Careful consideration and consultation should take precedence over speed but we expect progress to be made on establishing a new and effective framework for promoting and protecting older people’s rights by the end of the year. (Recommendation, Paragraph 110) 51